Donald Trump has posted a picture of himself dressed up as the pope to his Truth Social channel. The bizarre post has received 12,000 likes and been reposted over thousnds of times at the time of writing.

Social media users reacted with a mixture of bewilderment, amusement and even anger. One wrote: "Yes, the lunatic really posted this."

While another said: "He'll post himself as Jesus next. The funny thing is the Christian's that support him don't seem to have a problem with this, which is clearly mocking Christianity."

Robert Musella noted: "As a Catholic, as a Christian, and as a human being. I’m angered.

"This isn’t leadership. It’s a circus act disguised as divine right."

Others, however, jumped to the defence of the US President, telling people to get a sense of humour.

Phoenix wrote: "Omg get out & touch some grass! He's JOKING!"